(IWD1) HoF mode from the beginning Options

[Klorox]

I'm going to give it a try, and I'm brainstorming party ideas now. here's what I've got so far:

Gnome Fighter (GM in Axes for a great AC and using the boomerang axe)

Half-Elf Cleric/Ranger

Half-Elf Fighter/Druid

Elf Fighter/Mage/Thief (basically, I'm using him as an archer who can open locks and disarm traps. Since he'll always be in the back-row, I figured he doesn't really need armor so why not throw some spellcasting ability in there as well?)

Gnome Fighter/Illusionist

Half-Elf Bard

I'm not too sure on where to allocate weapon proficiencies (other than maxing out ranged weapons for all characters ASAP).

I also know that Paladins are usually pointed at as being great for HoF mode, but I think that's because of being able to cast "Prot. from Evil" on themselves so often. I figure a single classed Gnome fighter can wear that gnome/halfling helmet for a better AC bonus, and can also be a more offensive character since he can get GM in a few weapons.

This is still in it's planning stage, so I'd really welcome comments/ideas/criticisms. TIA

[Jarno Mikkola]

But you'll have to remember a few things, like the spell casting level, as DSimpson says:

CODE

PALADIN
           Spell Levels ---->         1   2   3   4
      Exp. Level    Casting Level*

           9            1             1   -   -   -
          10            2             2   -   -   -
          11            3             2   1   -   -
          12            4             2   2   -   -
          13            5             2   2   1   -
          14            6             3   2   1   -
          15            7             3   2   1   1
          16            8             3   3   2   1
          17            9             3   3   3   1
          18            9             3   3   3   1
          19            9             3   3   3   2
          20            9             3   3   3   3
          * Casting Level is the effective EXPERIENCE LEVEL the Paladin is for
            purposes of spellcasting.  If a spell is more powerful for higher
            EXP LEVELS, this is the level they're referring to, not his actual
            EXP LEVEL. Because of this, Paladins make poor spellcasters.

BTW, how long does a Prot. from Evil from a Paladin last?

From levels 1 to 9, three turns, from 9 to 17 +3 turns per level, culminating to 27 turns at 17th level.